Sandpaper in a nutrition class?

Sandpaper in a nutrition class? You bet! Students in the ShapeUp program use sandpaper to demonstrate the process of refining whole grains. It's a fun activity that helps students remember the difference between whole and refined grains and understand why it's so important to eat plenty of whole grains.

First, Registered Dietitian Elizabeth Gallardo draws a diagram on the board to teach the Belmont High students about the various parts of a whole grain: the bran, germ, and endosperm. Then she explains that the fiber in the bran helps with digestion and regular bowel movements.

The students then rub a whole grain between two pieces of sandpaper to remove the bran and germ, illustrating the process of refining a grain -- which food processors do to create white bread or white pasta, for example. The students discuss their observations in small groups and come to the conclusion that it's better to eat whole grains, which retain the nutrients and fiber that our bodies need.

We incorporate hands-on, interactive activities like this to make nutrition information more memorable and easy to understand. You can help ensure that we have enough supplies and educational materials to continue our ShapeUp workshops by donating $10 or more to our Halloween "Trick or Treat: Give Me Something Good to Eat" fundraiser: http://www.crowdrise.com/sosmentortrickortreat/fundraiser/. Thank you for your support!

The Power of Mentoring

One of the most important aspects of our work in the ShapeUp program is the personal connection that is built between the students and their mentors. We believe that when students know their teacher cares about them, they learn better. A little care and attention make a big difference.

Our ShapeUp mentors help students define their goals, encourage them to make lifestyle changes little by little, and instill confidence. They share their personal experiences and tips for eating healthier and being active, making it easier for students to relate.

You can see the mentors in action in the video below, from the Week 3 ShapeUp workshop at Belmont High School. Robert Santana, Registered Dietitian and lead teacher at Belmont, shared his tips for eating healthy when out at a restaurant: Split your meal in half and only eat half at the restaurant; you can take the rest home for later. Or how about asking for dressing on the side and dipping your fork in it as you go? "That's what I do," Mr. Santana said.

Joyce Curran, a teacher at Belmont, says the fact that the mentors and teachers genuinely care and take time out of their day to share their knowledge is what makes it "more meaningful for the students." That's the power of mentoring.

Are you interested in becoming a mentor, or getting involved with our organization? Send an email to info@SOSMentor.org for more information.

Event Wrap-Up: Masquerade Ball 2011

SOSMentor’s Masquerade Ball on October 1, 2011 was full of intriguing surprises and entertainment. Eighty guests filed into the Redondo Beach Castle, many of them wearing intricate, handmade masks or dressed in costume. A belly dancer wowed the audience with her daring sword routine and a palm reader offered her insight to curious guests, while the viola player set the mood.

The guests bid on 40 items in our silent auction, including Dodger tickets, gift certificates to restaurants, dancing lessons, a family portrait photography session, and more. Bartenders at Patron’s open bar taught guests how to make exotic drinks and every attendee went home with a $100 Crocs gift certificate.

Best of all, everyone in attendance gained a better understanding of SOSMentor’s work and contributed to the ShapeUp program. Thank you to all of our friends and sponsors who joined us at the Masquerade Ball!

Let's Get Physical

Our resident athletic trainer, Billy Locke, has been teaching our ShapeUp students the fundamentals of fitness in his physical activity workshops. With over 16 years of training experience under his belt, Billy knows how to motivate and challenge our students to reach their full potential.

At Belmont High School last week, Billy led the students through ladder drills that focused on improving coordination, core strength, and flexibility. At Monroe High, he talked about the importance of aiming for both strength and flexibility, emphasizing that "those are the best athletes: the strongest and most flexible."

At the end of the workshop at Monroe, Billy gathered all the students together in a circle with their hands in the center to shout out their common goal: "Fit for life!" Check out the videos below to see Billy's exercises for staying fit for life.

Fun Times at Monroe High

Where can you find high school students singing, dancing, playing games, and chowing down on quesadillas? SOSMentor's ShapeUp program, of course!

The students at Monroe High School are learning about nutrition and physical activity in a fun, interactive environment that's anything but boring. The SOSMentor curriculum is designed to engage all different types of learners, get everyone moving, and celebrate delicious, healthy food.

In the second workshop, our Co-Founder and Executive Director Bob Donahue sported a chef's hat and apron while teaching the students how to make veggie quesadillas. Volunteer mentors encouraged participants to thank about new fruits and vegetables they wanted to try. And of course, everyone got up and moved around...a lot! See for yourself in the video below: